Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.

Number of results: 153
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday September 26, October 3, October 10, October 17 and October 24
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
This autumn, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls'…
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Get ready to explore Portsmouth like a real‑life detective! With two treasure‑hunt walks, you’ll spot clues, solve puzzles, and discover amazing things you’ve never noticed before. It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s perfect for curious kids (and…
Arts
Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Childrens Events
Winchester
The Big Family Sleepover at Winchester Science Centre is a truly unique overnight experience, combining exciting, facilitated activities with free exploration across the Science Centre. With hands-on exhibits to spectacular live shows, this is a…
Music
Winchester
Sit back and relax to the nostalgic sights and sounds of the retro full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, Wish You Were Here at Winchester Science Centre.
Carnival
Ventnor
Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
This summer experience the Vile Victorians like you've never seen them before in our Horrible Histories® trail, some very special guests have returned to Beaulieu, plus you can meet living history, enjoy magical extras, and magnificent motoring…
Halloween
Brockenhurst
Pay a visit to New Forest Activities in Hampshire this Halloween for a wonderfully spooky twist on an archery session. Using weapons of old; vampires, werewolves and zombies will be your new targets. Plus to add an extra challenge, you'll get to…
General event
Southampton
One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). Our trip will see us pass the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing…
Participatory Event
Beaulieu
Join New Forest Activities in Beaulieu for a fantastic introduction to the world of Bushcraft, based in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
Performing Arts
Newport
Welcome to the Rock!
Shoreline Productions is thrilled to bring the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Come From Away to the Isle of Wight for the very first time, from 3rd–6th September at the spectacular Robin Hill Amphitheatre.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday May 30, June 20, July 11, July 25, August 8 and August 22
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust invites you to a special summer's evening with their feathered friends. Against a setting sun, you'll…
General event
Southampton
Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Winchester
Get ready for the wildest summer adventure as Zoofest returns to Marwell Zoo from **23 July to 31 August**. This brand-new, festival-inspired celebration is packed with family fun, bringing together incredible wildlife, live entertainment and…
Heritage & History
Waterloville
A contingent from the Butser IX Roman Legion will be in residence around the Roman Villa at Butser Ancient Farm with demonstrations, roman cooking, crafts, games and more.
Exhibitions
Lymington
Elmer and Mr Benn: the Magic of David McKee
11 July – 6 September
St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery is delighted to announce Elmer, Mr Benn… the magic of David McKee, a vibrant new exhibition celebrating one of Britain's most beloved and influential…
Heritage & History
Churchill Way West, Winchester
Basingstoke HEMA (Historic European Martial Arts) and Andover HEMA will be displaying their skills with clashes of swords and armour in the magnificent, historic setting of The Great Hall.
Sword fighting experts will be battling it out with…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the Christmas school holidays, Saturday December 12 - Sunday 13 and Saturday December 19, 2026 – Sunday January 2, 2027
10:00am – 4:30 pm
Can you solve the mystery of Santa's missing present sack this Christmas? Bring the whole family…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday September 11
4:30pm-7:30pm
Planning your unique wedding day? Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an enchanting evening to discover what your dream wedding day could look like at the Hawk Conservancy Trust!
Filled with wedding inspiration,…